Maldives-India ties improving due to Muizzu: Indian media

Media outlets in neighboring India have reported that the longstanding close relationship between the Maldives and India is improving due to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

According to renowned Indian newspaper Hindustan Times, the foreign policies of Mohamed Muizzu, who came to power through the 2023 presidential campaign under the campaign "India Out", have caused the relationship between the two countries to cool after having soured initially.

After signing a trade agreement during a two-day trip to the United Kingdom, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Friday. Although this is the Prime Minister's third official visit to the Maldives, this two-day trip has received less fanfare compared to previous visits.

Hindustan Times reported that this trip is important because it marks the beginning of a pivotal moment.

It is noted that the "India Out" campaign, led by Muizzu and including many senior ministers in Muizzu's Cabinet, was the most hostile campaign against a neighboring country in Maldivian history.

Modi is the first foreign leader to be hosted by Muizzu during his presidency. Muizzu has invited Modi as the guest of honor for the Maldives Independence Day.

Following his rise to power in late 2023 with the help of the "India Out" campaign, Muizzu initially pursued policies that strained relations with India, according to Indian media reports. The Hindustan Times highlighted that Muizzu’s approach, marked by efforts to strengthen ties with China while distancing the Maldives from India, pushed bilateral relations to their lowest point in recent history.

Addressing these challenges, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri acknowledged at a press conference on Tuesday that “there will always be issues that affect or attempt to influence the relationship,” emphasizing the complexity of the ties between the two neighbors.

Indian media are interpreting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the Maldives, extended at the invitation of President Muizzu, as a significant turning point in bilateral relations, following a period of notable tension.

Misri emphasized the Maldives’ importance as a “very important partner” within India’s “Neighborhood First” policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

Misri highlighted that India has always been a reliable partner in times of major disasters in the Maldives, adding that whenever there is an emergency, the Indian government is the first to extend a helping hand. Misri further stated that the political relationship remains strong, and high-level visits like these continue to deepen ties.

Muizzu himself visited India approximately nine months ago, signaling ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

During Muizzu's visit to India in October 2024, a joint vision was developed to strengthen economic and security ties between the two countries. Officials say this is now the "guiding framework" for diplomatic relations between the two countries.

India stands as one of the Maldives’ largest trading partners, with annual trade between the two countries valued at approximately USD 500 million. Both nations are currently in discussions to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with a particular focus on boosting cooperation in the renewable energy and fisheries sectors.

India is also actively supporting the Maldives through numerous development projects financed by soft loans and credit facilities. Among the most significant initiatives are the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport and the ambitious Greater Malé Connectivity Project, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and connectivity across the island nation.

Speaking to ANI News Agency ahead of PM Modi’s visit, former President Mohamed Nasheed highlighted India’s critical role in safeguarding the Maldives’ economy. Particularly, he stated that India has saved Maldives from defaulting on its debt.